The forthcoming holidays can be a cheerful time filled with friends, family and holiday spirit or a time of un-welcomed stress on your time and finances thus dampening the real meaning of the holidays. Here’s how to create a plan that is manageable and will fill your holidays with joy and laughter for you and your family.
1. Get a notebook to keep all your holiday information in one place (you can use this information to build on year after year, so you are organizing for future holidays).
2. Make a list of the top 10 holiday activities or rituals you must do; get your calendar and schedule in those activities now. Include the dates to have your decorating, gift shopping and wrapping completed.
3. To avoid impulse buying, make up a gift list (in your notebook). Have four columns across the top for: “Names,” “Gift Ideas,” “Allowance” and a small column to “check off” when you have purchased that gift. Hint: this year try giving more of yourself as your gift to others… Give “gift certificates” you make up individually tailored (e.g. take someone you don’t see often during the year, out for lunch once a month, or go for weekly walks or, if you have older people on your list, give them a monthly visit to do the activity of their choice, etc.
4. By now if you don’t have your holiday cards/letter ready to mail, don’t bother. Alternatively, send holiday post cards; email your letter; or, you could send a New Year’s letter instead. For those living elsewhere, send your holiday wishes in a phone call. Don’t make the process of sharing with others become a task and stress point that you would rather avoid.
5. Last but not least, make a list of those people you choose and want to spend time with. Decide who are the family and friends you enjoy being with and who nourish and energize you. Be ruthless in these choices; you only have a finite amount of time, so choose wisely.
Remember, the holidays are “supposed” to be a time of sharing, caring, and love. If you are “up tight” about the details, the meaning of the season will be lost for you and others. Do what you can and enjoy what you do!
Barbara Ricketts is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO). If you need assistance to simplify and organize, contact her at MessDoctor@Mac.com or call 661-263-0124.